Bedfordview residents Wade and Danny Steven are a son and father combination who paddle for the Germiston-based Victoria Lake Canoe Club.
The duo, who have only been river canoeing since last year, are still cautious and wary as they gain experience, skill and ability, especially in the icy weather where mistakes can land paddlers in the cold water.
They are, however, enthusiastic and keen.
Recently the East Rand Kayak Canoe Club, based at Homestead Dam in Benoni, hosted a 22km training river race on the Klip River in Meyerton in which the Stevens took part.
The race was held just as the winds arrived bringing the icy cold front from the Western Cape, to indicate the end of winter and the only really cold day of the Gauteng winter season.
Despite the cold, canoeists turned out in large numbers to participate in the training race, preparing for the major national A Grade Hansa Fish River Canoe Marathon which takes place in Cradock at the end of September.
Nearly 200 paddlers braved the ice-cold gusty winds and chilly water.
Most paddlers, suitably dressed for the wind, ploughed their way through the waves and rushed for comfort and food at the finish line.
